Faye and Dr. Reginald Washington (Steve Peterson, Special to The Denver Post)

C’mon, admit it: Some of your favorite television shows are set in hospitals. “ER,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Mercy,” “Nurse Jackie,” heck, even the sudsy “General Hospital” are must-see TV. We love the tension, the excitement … the complicated lives of the doctors and nurses.

Which may be why the Kaleidoscope Ball was such a hit. Over 700 people — including 100 who RSVP’d that day — were on hand Saturday for the Kaleidoscope Ball, a gala celebrating the new HealthONE Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children. Located on the Presbyterian/St. Luke’s campus in Denver, the handsome, state-of-the-art facility opens on Aug. 31.

And because patients and staff had not yet moved in, guests were free to poke around. They could visit surgical suites, emergency rooms and specialized care areas that will be off-limits once operations begin, enjoying themed food tastings from Gourmet Fine Catering along the way. The “Mary Had a Little Lamb” station, for example, offered lamb chops with a lemon-pine nut crust served atop a “white as snow” dollop of cauliflower-potato puree.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve built,” said the chief medical officer, Dr. Reginald Washington. “Quality of care is what’s most important, but so, too, is the comfort level for both the patients and their families.” Washington and his wife, Faye, chaired the Kaleidoscope Ball with Margie and Dr. Manning Mauldin. Liz Ryan and Monica Owens headed the Young Professionals committee.

The Ronald McDonald Room, Washington pointed out, was designed to be a place of respite for patient families. “They can watch TV, have hot food, coffee or a massage there,” he said. With 40 percent of the patients coming from out of state, shower and laundry facilities also were included in the hospital design. “Parents have enough to worry about when their kids are sick; where they can go to clean up shouldn’t have to cross their mind.”

Star Sponsors were Diversified Radiology and Pediatrix/Obstetrix Medical Group, while Colorado Business Bank, Dr. Steven Rothenberg and Leo and Susan Kiely were summit sponsors. Leo, the chief executive of MillerCoors, is recuperating from a broken leg, but Susan was among the gala’s early arrivals being greeted by nursery rhyme-costumed entertainers from Denver School of the Arts.

The Javon Jackson Band and the Tripping Griswolds provided dance music and a silent auction included the chance to bid on art, jewelry, trips, and the opportunity to have your child featured on the cover of Colorado Parent magazine.